The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center recognizes that the recent abhorrent acts of anti-Semitism are an important ‘teachable moment’ for our entire RI community – our leaders, educators, parents and their families.

We are reminded of the central role our educators play in teaching that hate and intolerance have no place in our community. As such, we stand committed to our mission – not only to bear witness to the Holocaust and honor those who perished, but to strive to reduce prejudice against all minorities by teaching not only about the experience of the Jews, but also about the suffering which other peoples have experienced.

Rhode Island is well known for being an early beacon of religious freedom and liberty. In the famous correspondence between George Washington and the congregants at Touro Synagogue in Newport, R.I., American Jews supplied Washington with the language to explain why the sentiments of the Enlightenment could become reality in the United States. In his response, the president echoed back their very words, “…the government which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance…”.

Anti-Semitism, bigotry, intolerance are all non-partisan issues. An attack on anyone is an attack on every human being – regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. (January 2020)

The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center serves to bear witness to the Holocaust and to honor those who perished. We strive to reduce prejudice against all minorities by teaching our community, especially its youth, about the experience of the Jews, and of the suffering of other peoples because of bigotry.

Our facility houses a library, artifacts from the era, an audio-visual collection, and a memorial garden. Materials are available for check-out by teachers, students, the general public, and our facility is open to the public. Our speakers present to area schools, and survivors of the Holocaust share their personal experiences with students. We also offer workshops for educators.

We strive to reduce prejudice and the injustice of bigotry against all minorities by teaching the current generation about the Holocaust.

We believe that by teaching about these dangers, and the horrors to which they may lead, we can effect positive change in our society.